Some people are just born to be musicians. It’s a part of their heritage. Carolyn Tolson is one of those special people. This weekend, she and the other members of the Charlotte Oratorio Singers, will perform “Magic of Christmas” at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center in Charlotte.

It may only be $255 a month, but Elaine Adkins is grateful for every penny.

Adkins, executive director of HOPE in Lancaster, smiled as Lancaster County Council voted unanimously Monday night to waive rent payments for her organization. The vote was 6-0, as Council Chairwoman Kathy Sistare recused herself.

It’s hard to believe giving up one soda or snack could help keep someone’s lights on this Christmas.

But that’s the strategy behind Elaine Adkins latest plea, which she calls “the $1 challenge.” As executive director of HOPE in Lancaster, a charitable organization which provides food and help with rent and utility bills for local families, Adkins is asking the community to make small sacrifices to help their neighbors.